| Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported am ounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements , and the reported amounts of revenue s and expenses during the reporting period s . Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Basis of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WWE and all of its domes tic and foreign subsidiaries. Included in Corporate and Other are intersegment eliminations recorded in consolidation. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit in overnight deposit accounts , investments in Treasury bills and investments in money market accounts with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase.
Short-term Investments, Net — We classify all of our short-term investments as available-for-sale securities. Such investments consist of U.S. Treasury securities, corporate and municipal bonds, including pr e-refunded municipal bonds, and government agency bonds. T hese investments are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses on such securities reflected, net of tax, as other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on investments are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.
Accounts Receivable, Net — Accounts receivable relate principally to amounts due to us from distributors of our WWE Network, pay-per-view providers and television networks for pay-per-view presentations and television programming, respectively, and balances due from the sale of home videos, as well as from licensees that produce consumer products containing our intellectual property and/or trademarks. We estimate the collectability of our receivables and establish allowances for the amount of accounts receivable that we estimate to be uncollectible. We base these allowances on our historical collection experience, the length of time our accounts receivable are outstanding and the financial condition of individual customers. An individual balance is charged to the allowance when all collection efforts have been exhausted and it is deemed likely to be uncollectible, taking into consideration the financial condition of the customer and other factors.
Inventory — Inventory consists of merchandise sold on our website s and on distribution platforms, including Amazon , merchandise so ld at live events and DVDs/Blu-R ays, which are sold via a distributor to retailers. Substantially all of our inventory is comprised of finished goods. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value . The valuation of our inventories requires management to make market estimates assessing the quantities and the prices at which we believe the inventory can be sold.
Property and Equipment, Net — Property and equipment are stated at historical cost net of benefits associated with tax incentives less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, when applicable, the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. Vehicles and equipment are depreciated based on estimated useful lives varying from three to five years. Buildings and related improvements are depreciated based on estimated useful lives varying from five to thirty-nine years. Our corporate aircraft is depreciated over ten years on a straight-line basis less an estimated residual value.
Feature Film Production Assets, Net — Feature film production assets are recorded at the cost of production, including production overhead and net of production incentives. The costs for an individual film are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management’s estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale. Unamortized feature film production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. We review and revise estimates of ultimate revenue and participation costs at each reporting period to reflect the most current information available. If estimates for a film’s ultimate revenues and/or costs are revised and indicate a significant decline in a film’s profitability or if events or circumstances change that indicate we should assess whether the fair value of a film is less than its unamortized film costs, we calculate the film's estimated fair value using a discounted cash flows model. If fair value is less than the unamortized cost, the film is written down to fair value. Impairment charges are recorded as an increase in amortization expense included in cost of revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Our estimate of ultimate revenues for feature films includes revenues from all sources for ten years from the date of a film’s initial release. We estimate the ultimate revenues based on industry and Company specific trends, the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the lead actors, and the genre of the film. Prior to the release of a feature film and throughout its life, we revise our estimates of revenues based on expected future results, actual results and other known factors affecting the various distribution markets.
Television Production Assets, Net — Television production assets consist primarily of non-live event episodic television series we have produced for distribution through a variety of platforms including on our WWE Network. Amounts capitalized include development costs, production costs , production overhead and employee salaries . Costs to produce episodic programming for television or distribution on WWE Network are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management's estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale. Costs to produce our live event programming are expensed when the event is first broadcast and are not included in the capitalized costs or in the related amortization .
Unamortized television production assets are evaluated for imp airment each reporting period. If conditions indicate a potential impairment, and the estimated future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the unamortized asset, the asset is written down to fair value. In addition, if we determine that a program will not likely air, we expense the remaining unamortized asset.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets — We periodically evaluate the carrying amount of long-lived assets for impairment when events and circumstances warrant such a review.
Investment Securities — We maintain investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and under the equity method of accounting. Our cost method investments are carried at cost and adjusted for other-than-temporary declines in fair value . Our equity method investment relates to a joint venture with Authentic Brands Group (“ABG”) in an apparel and lifestyle brand, Tapout LLC (“Tapout”). Under the equity method of accounting, to the extent that Tapout records income or losses, we record our share proportionate to our ownership percentage of 50% , and any dividends received reduce the carrying amount of the investment. Our share of the income or losses in Tapout is included as a component of Investment income, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations , and is also included, net of cash dividends received in Equity in earnings of affiliate, net of dividends received, in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
We evaluate our investments for impairment annually, and when factors indicate that a significant decrease in value has occurred. Variables considered in making such assessments may include near-term prospects of the investees, subsequent rounds of financing activities of the investees, and the investees’ capital structure as well as other economic variables, which reflect assumptions market participants m ay use in pricing these assets. If an investment is deemed to have experienced an other-than-temporary decline below its cost basis, we reduce the carrying amount of the investment to its quoted or estimated fair value, as applicable, and establish a new cost basis for the investment. We record these other-than-temporary impairment charges in Loss on equity investments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Beginning in 2018, we will adopt new accounting rules that will change the way we account for our equity investments without readily determinable fair values (i.e. our existing cost method investments). Under the amended rules, the cost method of accounting is eliminated. Companies have the option to either measure equity investments without readily determinable fair values at fair value or at cost adjusted for changes in observable prices minus impairment. We have elected to measure equity investments without readily determinable fair value at cost adjusted for changes in observable prices minus impairment, which will be recognized in net income. These equity investments will be periodically assessed qualitatively for impairment. When a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists, we will measure the investment at fair value. Refer to the discussion in Recent Accounting Pronouncements below for further details.
Income Taxes — Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Amounts are determined based on the differences between the book and tax bases of particular assets and liabilities and operating loss carry forwards, using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes, conversely, if we determine we might not be able to realize our deferred tax assets we would record a valuation allowa nce which would result in a char ge to the provision for income taxes.
We use a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by assessing whether they are more likely than not sustainable, based solely on their technical merits, upon examination, and including resolution of any related appeals or litigation process. The second step is to measure the associated tax benefit of each position, as the largest amount that we believe is more likely than not realizable. Differences between the amount of tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in our income tax returns and the amount of tax benefits recognized in our financial statements represent our unrecognized income tax benefits, which we record as a liability. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
Revenue Recognition — Revenues are generally recognized when products are shipped or as services are performed. However, due to the nature of several of our business lines, there are additional steps in the revenue recognition process, as described below. We plan on adopting the new revenue recognition rules starting in fiscal year 2018. Refer to the Recent Accounting Pronouncements section below for a further discussion.
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WWE Network Subscriptions:
Revenues are recognized ratably over each paid monthly membership period. Deferred revenue consists of subscription fees billed to members that have not been recognized and gift memberships that have not been redeemed.
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Pay-per-view programming:
Revenues from our pay-per-view programming are recorded when the event is aired and are based upon our initial estimate of the number of buys achieved. This initial estimate is based on preliminary buy information received from our pay-per-view distributors. Final reconciliation of the pay-per-view buys generally occurs within one year and any subsequent adjustments to the buys are recognized in the period new information is received.
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Sponsorships:
Through our sponsorship packages, we offer advertisers a full range of our promotional vehicles, including online and print advertising, on-air announcements and special appearances by our Superstars. We allocate revenue to all deliverables contained within a sponsorship arrangement based upon their relative selling price. In most instances, we determine relative selling price used for allocating revenue to a specific deliverable using vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE"). VSOE is the selling price that a vendor charges when it sells similar products or services on a stand-alone basis. After allocating revenue to each deliverable, we recognize revenue from our sponsorship arrangements when each element is delivered.
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Licensing:
Revenues from our licensed products are recognized upon receipt of reports from the individual licensees that detail the royalties generated by related product sales. If we receive licensing advances, such payments are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as income when earned.
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Home entertainment:
Revenues from the sales of home video titles are recorded net of an allowance for estimated returns, at the later of delivery by our distributor to retailers, or the date that these products are made widely available for sale by retailers. The allowance for estimated returns is based on historical information, current industry trends and demand for our titles.
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TV rights:
Rights fees received from distributors of our television programming, both domestically and internationally, are recorded when the program has been delivered to the distributor and is available for exhibition. Our typical distribution agreement is between one and five years in length and frequently provides for contractual increases over its term. Expenses incurred in the production of our weekly television programming are expensed when the programming is first available for exhibition.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we have $21,475 and $34,375 , respectively, related to an advance payment associated with our domestic television rights deal , which is included as a component of deferred income and non-current deferred income within our Consolidated Balance Sheets .
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Films:
Revenue recognition for our feature films varies depending on the method of distribution and the extent of control the Company exercises over the distribution and related expenses. We exercise significant control over our self-distributed films and as a result, we record distribution revenue and related expenses on a gross basis in our financial statements. Third-party distribution partners control the distribution and marketing of our co-distributed films, and as a result, we recognize revenue on a net basis after the third-party distributor recoups distribution fees and expenses and results are reported to us. This typically occurs in periods subsequent to the initial release of the film. In certain arrangements, where worldwide film rights and interests are sold to third-party distribution partners, we recognize revenue upon delivery of the completed film to the third-party. Revenues generated from our films through the various distribution channels, including home video, video-on-demand and television are recognized consistent with the policies described above.
Cost of Revenues — Included within cost of revenues is the amortization and impairment of feature film and television production assets. Television production assets consist primarily of non-live event episodic television series we have produced for distribution through a variety of platforms, including on our WWE Network. We amortize feature film production assets based on the estimated future cash flows. Costs to produce episodic programming for television or distribution on WWE Network are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management's estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale. Unamortized feature film and television production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. Cost of revenues also includes the amortization of costs related to content delivery and technology assets utilized for our WWE Network. These costs are amortized on a straight - line basis over the shorter of the expected useful life or the term of the respective service agreement. Program amortization for WWE Network is included in cost of revenues as a component of amortization of television production assets. For episodic programming debuting and currently expected to air exclusively on WWE Network, the cost of the programming is expensed upon initial release, as our expectation is that the vast majority of viewership will occur in close proximity to the initial release.
Included within Cost of revenues are the following:
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
Amortization and impairment of feature film assets
$ 17,377
$ 6,662
$ 3,891
Amortization of television production assets
21,137
26,933
30,591
Amortization of WWE Network content delivery and technology assets
5,970
4,832
3,870
Total amortization and impairment included in cost of revenues
$ 44,484
$ 38,427
$ 38,352
Costs to produce our live event programming are expensed when the event is first broadcast, and are not included in the amortization table noted above.
Film and Television Production Incentives — The Company has access to various governmental programs that are designed to promote film and television production within the United States and certain international jurisdictions. Tax credits earned with respect to expenditures on qualifying film, television and other production activities, including qualifying capital projects, are included as an offset to the related asset or as an offset to production expenses when we have reasonable assurance regarding the realizable amount of the tax credits.
Advertising Expense — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, except for costs related to the development of a major commercial or media campaign , which are expensed in the period in which the commercial or campaign is first presented. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we recorded advertising expenses of $23,629 , $22,122 and $25,260 , respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation — For the translation of the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries whose functional currencies are not U.S. Dollars, assets and liabilities are translated at the year-end exchange rate, and income statement accounts are translated at monthly average exchange rates for the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity and also in comprehensive income. Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing at the transaction date, with any gains/losses recorded in other income/expense.
Stock-Based Compensation — Equity awards are granted to directors, officers and employees of the Company. Stock-based compensation costs associated with our restricted stock units ("RSUs") are determined using the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of the grant. These costs are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method, net of estimated forfeitures. RSUs have a service requirement typically over a three and one-half year vesting schedule and vest in equal annual installments. Unvested RSUs accrue dividend equivalents at the same rate as are paid on our shares of Class A common stock. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying RSUs.
Stock-based compensation costs associated with our performance stock units ("PSUs") are initially determined using the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date the awards are approved by our Compensation Committee (service inception date). The vesting of these PSUs are subject to certain performance conditions and a service requirement of typically three and one half years. Until such time as the performance conditions are met, stock compensation costs associated with these PSUs are re-measured each reporting period based upon the fair market value of the Company's common stock and the estimated performance attainment on the reporting date. The ultimate number of PSUs that are issued to an employee is the result of the actual performance of the Company at the end of the performance period compared to the performance conditions. Stock compensation costs for our PSUs are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method, net of estimated forfeitures. Unvested PSUs accrue dividend equivalents once the performance conditions are met at the same rate as are paid on our shares of Class A common stock. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying PSUs.
We estimate forfeitures, based on historical trends when recognizing compensation expense and adjust the estimate of forfeitures when they are expected to differ or as forfeitures occur.
Beginning in 2017, we adopt ed new accounting rules related to simplifying the accounting for our share-based compensation awards. The new rules require entities to record all excess tax benefits or deficiencies as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement, rather than as a component of additional paid-in capital, and require s entities to classify excess tax benefits as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. In addition, the amounts paid to satisfy the statutory income tax withholding obligation, which prior to adoption was classif ied in operating activities on the cash flow statement, are now classified as a financing activity in the Consolidated S tatement s of Cash F lows. Refer to the discussion in Recent Accounting Pronouncements below for further details.
Earnings Per Share (EPS) — Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period, plus dilutive potential common shares which is calculated using the treasury-stock method. Under the treasury-stock method, potential common shares are excluded from the computation of EPS in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.
Net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock is computed in accordance with a two-class method of earnings allocation. As such, any undistributed earnings for each period are allocated to each class of common stock based on the proportionate share of cash dividends that each class is entitled to receive. The Company did not compute earnings per share using the two-class method for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , as there were no undistributed earnings during the periods. Also, during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the dividends declared and paid per share of Class A and Class B common stock were the same.
Recent Accounting Pronouncement s
In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-09, “ Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Scope of Modification Accounting , ” which provides guidance on the various types of changes which would trigger modification accounting for share-based payment awards. In summary, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods, which for the Company will be effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. The amendments are to be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date, consequently the impact will be dependent on whether the Company modifies any of its share-based payment awards and the nature of such modifications.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-01, “ Business Combinations (Topic 805) Clarifying the Definition of a Business ” . The amendments in this ASU clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which for the Company will be effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. Since the new standard is applied prospectively and no disclosures are required at transition, the adoption of this new standard will not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “ Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ,” which addresses eight specific cash flow issues and is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which for the Company will be effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. The amendments in the ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this new standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “ Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting .” This update simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The update contains various amendments, each requiring a specific method of adoption, and designates whether each amendment should be adopted using a retrospective, modified retrospective, or prospective transition method. The new guidance was adopted on January 1, 2017. The impact of adoption of the update is summarized below:
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All excess tax benefits and deficiencies that result from the difference between the deduction for tax purposes and the compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes related to our share-based payment awards will be recognized as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement instead of as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. In addition, excess tax benefits are no longer included in the calculation of diluted shares outstanding for purposes computing diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method. The transition guidance related to these changes has been adopted by the Company on a prospective basis. During 2017, we recorded $1,604 of excess tax benefits related to the vesting of our share-based awards. Prior to adoption, this amount was recorded in additional paid-in capital. This change reduced the Company’s effective tax rate from 52% to 49% for 2017.
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An entity is now required to recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. Under the required modified retrospective transition, the Company had no cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings at January 1, 2017, as the Company had no previously unrecognized excess tax benefits.
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Excess tax benefits will be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows. Prior to the update, excess tax benefits were separated from other income tax cash flows and classified as a financing activity. In fiscal year 2016 and 2015, excess tax benefits of $893 and $431 , respectively, were recorded as part of financing cash inflows. The Company adopted these changes on a prospective basis.
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Cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes upon vesting of a share-based payment award are now classified as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows rather than as operating cash outflows. This amendment has been adopted by the Company on a retrospective basis. As a result of the retrospective adoption of this amendment, cash outflows of $5,544 and $2,855 were reclassified in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows from "Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities" to "Taxes paid related to net settlement upon vesting of equity awards " for 2016 and 2015, respectively.
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The threshold to qualify for equity classification of a share-based payment award would now permit withholding up to a maximum individual statutory tax rate in the applicable jurisdictions. The Company had no share-based payment awards receiving liability treatment under the prior rules. Therefore, the change from minimum up to a maximum statutory rate on tax withholdings had no impact on our consolidated financial statements and no cumulative effect adjustment was required.
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The Company has elected to continue its current policy of estimating forfeitures rather than recognizing forfeitures when they occur.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, “ Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting ”. The amendments eliminate the requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting when a change in ownership occurs. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investment and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. This new guidance was adopted on January 1, 2017 with no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 “ Leases (Topic 842) ,” which will supersede the existing guidance for lease accounting. This new standard will require lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets, and leaves lessor accounting largely unchanged. The new standard requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee would account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. Both finance leases and operating leases will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability. For finance leases, the lessee would recognize interest expense and amortization of the right-of-use asset, and for operating leases, the lessee would recognize a straight-line total lease expense. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years, which for the Company will be effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019. An entity will be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. While we are evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements, we currently expect a gross-up of our consolidated balance sheet as a result of recognizing right of use assets and lease liabilities. The exte |
